For the majority of racing fans on site, the significance of the victory would have gone by unnoticed.

But for track announcer Dan Jukich, it was one very special moment for he and his family that will be cherished forever.

Roy’s Dream was named after Roy Jukich Jr., who died September 30, 2012, two days short of his 53rd birthday. He had quietly been battling cancer with only his loved ones aware of his condition. Roy was the third of four Jukich children born to deceased Vancouver Sun sportswriter Roy Sr., and wife Eileen, who celebrated her 86th birthday earlier this week.

Roy Jr. was a devoted husband to Mary and father of two young daughters, Emily and Ashley.

Being the professional that he is in his 23rd season as Voice of the Races at Hastings, Dan somehow managed to keep his emotions under control as he described Roy’s Dream taking command in the deep stretch to win by one length over Boots Gray.

Family and friends in the winner’s circle were wildly waving at Dan in the broadcast booth high above track level as they celebrated the first career victory for Roy’s Dream.

And somewhere much higher than the broadcast booth, brother Roy was celebrating, too.

CANADA DAY CARD FEATURES FOUR $50,000 STAKES

While Richard Hamel and Amadeo Perez continue their sizzling rivalry at the top of the jockey standings this weekend with a seven-race card Saturday and eight races on Sunday, things are also heating up for the July 1 Canada Day celebrations at Hastings.

The Holiday Tuesday card (July 1 – 1:50 p.m. start) features four traditional $50,000 stakes: the Monashee for fillies and mares 3-years-old & up; Lieutenant Governors for 3-year-olds & up; Supernaturel for 3-year-old fillies and the Chris Loseth for 3-year-olds. Because Canada Day falls on a Tuesday, there will be racing Saturday (June 28) and Sunday (June 29) with Monday dark before the only Tuesday afternoon card on this year’s schedule.

The Hamel/Perez competition for leading jockey honours is a storyline within itself. Hamel, the crafty veteran from Terrace, B.C., won the 2011 title but was unseeded by young Perez in 2012 in only his second year riding at Hastings. Enrique Gonzalez nosed out Perez in 2013.

Heading into this weekend, Hamel has 26 wins with Perez close on his heels with 23. Perez won three races last Saturday to narrow the gap before Hamel responded with three wins of his own the next day.

Perez has drawn mounts for all 15 races on this weekend’s card while Hamel has drawn 14.

HORSE RACING FAMILY STEPS UP

In the aftermath of the massive barn fire in Langley that resulted in the loss of 17 standardbreds, the horse racing community banded together Tuesday night and raised $30,000 in support of the impacted families.

“More than 200 people opened their hearts and wallets in an emotional show of support,” said Ken Stratton, General Manager of Fraser Downs Racetrack and Casino. “The horse racing population can be very competitive on track but when it comes to lending a helping hand in the time of need, these people are incredible.

“Staff at Fraser Downs and Harness Racing BC stepped up to the plate by working 15-hour days to make this happen. Everyone volunteered their time for both the silent and live auctions, resulting in 100% of the proceeds going to the cause.”

Silent auction items such as suite tickets to the Elton John concert at Rogers Arena, a Vancouver Canucks’ jersey autographed by the entire team, a Grey Cup leather jacket and a beautifully framed commemorative picture from the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver contributed to help the recovery and rebuilding process created by the fire.

Great Canadian Gaming Corporation properties Hastings Racecourse in Vancouver, B.C. and Ontario-based Georgian Downs and Flamboro Downs collected cash donations during race days at their respective sites. At one point veteran Fraser Downs trainer/driver Dave Hudon and wife Kelly were patrolling the unfamiliar thoroughbred facility at Hastings raising funds through a 50-50 draw.

“This tragedy had a profound effect on many members of the horse racing community, keeping in mind there was no insurance for the assets lost in the fire,” Stratton said. “To see people come together in this fashion was an emotional experience for all of us.”

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